Question

Chemical analysis shows that citric acid contains 37.51% C, 4.20% H, and 58.29% O. What is the empirical formula for citric acid?​

Answer 1

The empirical formula for the citric acid is C₆H₈O₇

Data obtained from the question

• Carbon (C) = 37.51%

• Hydrogen (H) = 4.20%

• Oxygen (O) = 58.29%

• Empirical formula =?

Divide by their molar mass

C = 37.51 / 12 = 3.126

H = 4.2 / 1 = 4.2

O = 58.29 / 16 = 3.643

Divide by the smallest

C = 3.126 / 3.126 = 1

H = 4.2 / 3.126 = 1.34

O = 3.643 / 3.126 = 1.17

Multiply through by 6 to express in whole number

C = 1 × 6 = 6

H = 1.34 × 6 = 8

O = 1.17 × 6 = 7

Thus, the empirical formula for the citric acid is C₆H₈O₇

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